Chapter 6

The morning sun cast golden streaks across Evelyn Sinclair’s penthouse as she paced the length of her marble-floored living room. Her phone buzzed incessantly—messages from Lillian Graves, her ever-efficient assistant, and Preston Whitmore, the director who had just offered her the role of a lifetime.

Lead actress in Donovan Sharpe’s new blockbuster.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she scrolled through the contract details. This was it—the break she had been waiting for. But then, her gaze flickered to the framed photo on her bookshelf—a candid shot of her and Nathan Blackwood at last year’s charity gala. His arm had been slung casually around her shoulders, his smile effortless, his presence magnetic.

A knock at the door startled her.

"Evelyn?" Lillian’s voice carried through the intercom. "Victoria Hayes is here to see you."

Evelyn’s stomach twisted. Victoria Hayes—Nathan’s sharp-tongued secretary, the woman who had made it her mission to undermine Evelyn at every turn.

"Let her in," Evelyn said, smoothing her silk blouse.

Victoria strode in, her designer heels clicking against the floor. "You’re considering the role," she stated, not bothering with pleasantries.

Evelyn arched a brow. "And if I am?"

Victoria’s lips curled into a smirk. "Nathan won’t approve."

The words hit like a slap. Evelyn forced a laugh. "Since when does Nathan Blackwood dictate my career choices?"

Victoria leaned in, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "Since you became his weakness. He won’t let you take a role that’ll keep you on set for six months in Europe."

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. "That’s none of your business."

"Isn’t it?" Victoria’s eyes gleamed with triumph. "He’s already pulled strings to keep you close. Did you really think that magazine cover last month was just luck?"

Evelyn’s breath caught. She had wondered why Vogue had suddenly reached out.

Before she could respond, her phone lit up with an incoming call—Nathan’s name flashing across the screen.

Victoria smirked. "Speak of the devil."

Evelyn snatched up the phone, her voice icy. "We need to talk."

Nathan’s deep chuckle sent an unwelcome shiver down her spine. "I was just about to say the same thing, darling."

Three days had passed since Evelyn Sinclair's unexpected transmigration—courtesy of the Grim Reaper's clerical error. With no family to claim her body in her previous life, resurrection was impossible. As compensation for this cosmic blunder, the Reaper granted her a new existence in this world.

Evelyn now inhabited the body of a once-pampered heiress, whose tragic past had left her emotionally shattered. After losing her parents in a devastating accident, she was taken in by the Blackwoods, who treated her with kindness. But grief twisted her into a withdrawn, paranoid shadow of her former self—until she laid eyes on Nathan Blackwood.

Desperate to secure her place in the family, she orchestrated a night with him, getting him drunk enough to succumb. When they were discovered, Nathan's disgust was palpable, but guilt forced him into a reluctant marriage. The shame consumed her, and her heart gave out under the strain—just as Evelyn's soul took over.

Now, Evelyn had no intention of playing the scorned wife. Sure, Nathan is gorgeous and loaded, but what’s the point if he won’t even look at me? I refuse to live like a nun. I missed out on romance in my past life—this time, I’m making up for lost opportunities. If he wants to divorce me? Fine. I’ll take him for every penny.

But the Grim Reaper had one cruel stipulation: She couldn’t file for divorce herself. The original owner would never have initiated it, so neither could Evelyn. Furious, she demanded compensation—and received the Whisper Network, a system that exposed people’s deepest secrets.

Life in the Blackwood estate wasn’t so bad, Evelyn mused. Freedom, wealth, and an absent husband? Perfect. And if she ever strayed, she could always blame Nathan for neglecting her.

Then, opportunity struck.

A scandal that could finally force Nathan’s hand.

But now…

As they left the police station that evening, Nathan guided Evelyn toward the car, the silence between them thick with tension. She slumped against the window, sulking.

I should’ve made a scene! Then I wouldn’t have lost out on two hundred million—an unimaginable fortune!

Nathan’s jaw tightened as her mental lament echoed in his mind. Is she really that desperate for money?

Moments later, Evelyn’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the notification—$3,000,000 deposited.

Her breath caught. Wide-eyed, she turned to Nathan. Did he send this to the wrong account?

He met her gaze, his dark lashes casting shadows over his sharp features. "I owe you an apology," he said, voice low. "This is my way of making amends."

Evelyn forced a stoic expression, though internally, she was screaming.

Holy hell! Three million?! Is there even a limit to his transfers?! Stay calm… It’s nothing compared to what I could’ve gotten, but still—this is insane! Accuse me again, Nathan. Please. I’ll take the cash every time!

Nathan’s lips twitched. The contrast between her composed facade and her chaotic thoughts was staggering. Who knew she was like this?

He studied her—the way her lips pressed together to stifle a grin, her bright eyes shimmering with mischief. The neon glow from the city streets danced across her skin, making her look almost ethereal.

Nathan had never paid much attention to her before—she’d always been sullen, withdrawn. But now? She was radiant.

What changed?

Evelyn’s thoughts spiraled. If I play my cards right, he’ll feel guilty when he divorces me for his precious first love. More guilt means more alimony. This is an investment.

Nathan’s expression darkened.

I’ll buy myself a mansion. Maybe even a sugar baby—adorable or rugged, doesn’t matter, as long as he has abs for days.

Nathan nearly choked. I have abs.

I can’t wait for this divorce.

His hands clenched into fists.

Was she truly this eager to leave? Or was she just hurt, masking her pain with fantasies?

If she wanted out, why hadn’t she asked?

It’s definitely not about the money.

As they pulled into the Blackwood estate, another car sat in the driveway—guests.

Before Nathan could process who it was, Evelyn bolted toward the house, her eyes alight with excitement.

More drama! High society is a goldmine of scandals. Maybe I should stick around a little longer…

Nathan stared after her, incredulous. That’s not why she’s staying.

He quickened his pace. Wait for me.

Inside, a voice rang out:

"Mom, Dad, this is Liam—the child Sophia and Daniel are adopting."

Evelyn’s grin widened.

Oh, this is going to be good.